Heard in the Hive

Bank of Valletta is sponsoring an exhibition of watercolours by contemporary Maltese artist Henry Alamango. The exhibition, Tribute to a Sea, is being held at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria, Gozo, between today and March 24.

Presenting the bank's sponsorship, Michael Galea, head of PR, Communication and Corporate Branding at BoV, said the bank was delighted to support yet another exhibition by a Maltese artist. Indeed, BoV has today built a reputation of being the leading patron of arts and culture in Malta. Under the arts and culture pillar of its Community Programme, the bank regularly seeks to support Maltese talent and encourage artists to develop their career.

"We believe that our support is contributing towards the development and enrichment of the artistic scene in Malta with a direct positive effect on Maltese society," Mr Galea said.

Alamango's art is inspired by deep-rooted impressions and emotions drawn from Malta's natural and historical attributes: hot sun; barren landscape, but pregnant with bees and honey, wild thyme and figs; deep blue sea, congenial climate, architectural heritage, neolithic legacy, and so much more.

The artist also feels that, to properly comprehend Malta and Gozo, one must understand their environs: a rich civilisation of philosophers and writers, traders and craftsmen, architects and seafarers that constitute the cradle of western civilisation.

Hence the artist's attempt to portray these dimensions in his new exhibition Tribute to a Sea: a reference to this region's legacies and multicultural streams. At the heart lies Malta, a distillation of Mediterranean history and cultural influences.

"Just as one cannot appreciate the physical and cultural attributes of this archipelago without appreciating its environs, similarly one cannot talk of a Maltese identity without understanding that, if there is any uniqueness, it is not in any particular genetical make-up, but rather in the very diversity that is our legacy", Mr Alamango said at the presentation of the sponsorship from BoV.

"In this context, the strains of cultural diversity - fuelled by an accelerating pace of global change - are merely a symptom and continuation of the exposure to which our islands have been subjected through the ages and for which, one might add, we are now richer", he added.

Tribute to a Sea is a call to explore the cultures, history and trends that have shaped - and continue to shape - our identity, destiny and locus in this part of the world.

Carnival joy for children with disability

Following last Friday week's Dress Down Day at HSBC, more than 400 children had a whale of a time at the annual HSBC Cares for Children Fund Carnival party. Every year, the bank and its employees hold Dress Down Day to raise funds for the organisation of this Carnival party for children from Church homes, special schools and other charitable organisations.

This year's party included special surprises - a performance by a group of 30 dancers, face painters, stilt walkers, clowns and other animators - who entertained the children throughout the afternoon.

"The children's reaction to the show put up for them was great. Many HSBC staff volunteered to help out to make around 500 children leave with a happy face. The HSBC Cares for Children Fund takes heart from the fact that, despite the difficulties these children face, they get a chance to really enjoy Carnival," Mrs Cathering Gonzi, the fund's chairperson, said.

Dr Vicki Anne Cremona guest speaker at Paris university

Dr VICKI Ann Cremona, the Maltese Ambassador in Paris, was recently invited to address students of European cultural history at Paris Dauphine University.

The subject of her lecture was the Maltese Carnival, on which she has done extensive research.

Dr Cremona was welcomed at the university gate by Professor Bertrand de Montmorillon, president of the University, who said he was convinced his establishment would soon be finalising an Erasmus exchange agreement with the University of Malta, following talks with the ambassador.

Dr Cremona, who is preparing a book on the history of Malta's Carnival, gave a fascinating account of the origins and development of the Carnival in Malta under Hospitaller, British rule and since Independence. She also gave a film presentation on little known aspects of Carnival in Victoria. There were many questions, even from people who were surprised that Malta's Carnival is comparitively hardly known of abroad and asked whether it could be better promoted by the Malta Tourism Authority.

Everyone was impressed by the ease and elegance with which Dr Cremona expressed herself in French, a language in which she gained a greater command while reading for her university degrees at the University of Aix-en-Provence.

The lecture was followed by a reception, jointly sponsored by the University and Cercle Vassalli, a society for the promotion of the French-Maltese friendship, of which Patrice Sanguy, a senior lecturer at Dauphine University, is the president and founder.

Guests who attended the lecture and reception included professors Annie Krieger and Martine Piquet, editor of the Commonwealth Studies quarterly; Dr Lépolard, keeper of the Order of Malta's French archives; General and Mme Jorant née Tanti; Joe Camilleri (formerly of UNESCO); Joyce Camilleri, administrator of Cercle Vassalli; composer Marc Vella and Mrs Vella; Anne Marie Montebello, professor of literature at Lycée Louis le Grand in Paris, Doinz Runea; Georges Xerri and Jean Tanti, administrators of the circle; Mrs Tanti; Percy Högberg; Jean-Claude Ceccarelli and Christian Savaill-Zahra.

The reception organisers were Sauveur Cachia and Helen Gharbi Mamo, secretary general and deputy secretary general of Cercle Vassalli, respectively.

After, Dr Cremona parted for Quai d'Orsay, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs' palace, where she had another engagement.

University Paris Dauphine is the leading French University in the field of management and was rated last year one of the world's 100 best universities. It can be regarded as the French counterpart of the London School of Economics.

Two members of the faculty, Mr Sanguy and Michael Riccioli, are of Maltese descent and have been actively campaigning for closer relations between Dauphine and the University of Malta. The university also has a research group on Anglophone Europe headed by Mr Sanguy.

Fuego to celebrate sixth anniversary in style

Fuego in St Julian's is celebrating its sixth anniversary in style with a special event. The anniversary celebration will be held on Friday.

On the day, drinks will be sold at the specially reduced price of 50c between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Fuego is hosting entertainers, such as stilt walkers, and all the club's staff will have their faces painted. As usual, Fuego's deejays will be taking care of the club's renowned music formula, while animating the crowd till dawn.

"We are looking forward to marking our sixth anniversary with our customers," proprietor Mark Grima said.

"It was quite a ride and we are very happy with the success of our outlets. We invite everyone to come and join in the celebration."

Fuego in Qawra is celebrating its fifth anniversary on July 27.

The Fuego concept was introduced by Mark and Simon Grima in 2000, as Malta's most popular Latin-themed venue with skilled foreign deejays running the music formula, while animators help uplift the crowd. Free Salsa classes have become a regular tradition at Fuego, an idea that has helped popularise Latin dancing in Malta.

Currently, every Wednesday, Fuego is hosting the Las Chicas (girls' nights), with special surprises every night, hosted by Graham Charles together with Fuego's international deejays.

Moreover, the management is preparing for summer weekly events, such as the hugely popular Qawra Wednesday foam parties, and a new night in St Julian's - jungle fever.

Both clubs are hosting the ever-popular tequila Mondays. Meanwhile, the guest deejay at Fuego in St Julian's for this month is Wilson Castro, from the Dominican Republic.

Embassy Complex Grand Competition winners

Throughout last November and December, and January this year, spending Lm5 anywhere in the Embassy Complex on shopping, food, bingo or films gave Embassy clients the chance to participate in the Embassy Grand Competition and with a brand new Ford Fiesta 1.3 Ambiente or one of the other fabulous prizes from the Westin Dragonara Resort and Melita Cable.

The competition came to a close on January 27, with Shirley Mamo of Mosta winning the Ford Fiesta. All participants were either contacted or required to tune into XFM 100.2, which broadcast all stages of the competition live.

After Phase 1 of the competition ending January 30, 20 finalists won these prizes:

Melita digital subscription: Shirley Mamo, Brian Briffa, Lorraine Farrugia, Rebecca Vella, Alexia Pizzuto. Westin Fitness Centre membership: Annette Haber, Amanda Borg, Darren Agius, Jonathan Zahra Davis and Sandro Vella Clark

Two nights at the Westin Dragonara Resort: Giselle Hili, William Stewart, Daniela Scalpello, Robert Sammut and Alfie Sultana Peregin.

Pizza or pasta at Palio's Restaurant: Sarah Sillato Warrington, Mark Gauci, Stephanie Cardona, Martin Mifsud and Duncan Cassar.

During Phase 2 of the competition (January 30-February 3), a further five finalists were identified from the previous 20, namely Rebecca Vella, Darren Agius, Shirley Mamo, Robert Sammut and Amanda Borg, of whom Shirley Mamo won the car.

The final was broadcast live on XFM 100.2 on February 6, between 7.30 and 9.30 a.m. Mr David Gasan officially presented the Ford Fiesta keys to Ms Mamo on February 21 at the Embassy Cinema's foyer, in the presence of representatives from Westin Dragonana, Melita Cable, XFM 100.2 and the Embassy Complex management.

A small reception followed the presentation.The Embassy Complex is planning many more similar competitions with great prizes to be won this year.

People

Dr Carmelo Aquilina was recently elected Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (FRCPsych). He works as consultant psychiatrist for the elderly with the South London and Maudsley Trust in London with an honorary lecturer's post at the Institute of Psychiatry.

He was formerly a consultant in Old Age Psychiatry in Sheffield and Eastbourne and trained in psychiatry in Liverpool and London.

Dr Aquilina qualified as a doctor in Malta in 1986 and left for the UK in 1988. He gained his membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 1991.

He is the son of Albert and the late Josephine Aquilina of Attard and lives in Brighton with his wife Madeleine and their daughter Maria, aged 11.

Raymond Tabone of St Paul's Bay, recently obtained a Masters in Science in Training and Human Resource Management from the University of Leicester Centre for Labour Market Studies.

The dissertation submitted was entitled "Re-Training an Aging Public Service Workforce: A Case Study of the Works Division Malta, Focusing on a Particular Section".

FHRD is the agent for the Centre for Labour Studies in Leicester University, which provided a sterling service to all the students in Malta.

Mr Tabone is head of The Vittoriosa Restoration Unit in the Works Division of the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure. He was sponsored by the Government of Malta.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements March 5-12

Thursday
10 a.m. The President attends Professor Anibal Cavaco Silva's Oath of Office as President of Portugal.
1.50 p.m. The President attends a luncheon hosted Professor Cavaco Silva.

Friday
5 p.m. The President receives Professor Jean-Robert Pitte, rector of the University of Paris - Sorbonne, at the Palace, Valletta.

Saturday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a musical programme by La Vittoria Band Club of Mellieha at the Radisson SAS Golden Resort and Spa in Ghajn Tuffieha.

For you diary

A FAIR of religious books is being held at the St Mary Immaculate oratory, Mosta, between today and Sunday. A wide variety of things will be available at bargain prices.

Opening hours are from 9 a.m. to noon on Sundays; tomorrow, Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30 to 11 a.m. and from tomorrow to Friday from 4.30 to 6.30 p.m.

A bazaar is being held at Kings, Tower Road, Sliema, tomorrow from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. New and second hand items will be on sale.

The Malta Floral Club members and their friends are celebrating Women's Day with Mass at the Millennium Chapel, Paceville, on Wednesday at 10 a.m., followed by lunch at The Avenue in Paceville. For bookings call Lily de Conti Manduca on 2135-4160 or Monica Chetcuti on 2148-8089.

Caritas Co-operators are holding a day at the Corinthia San Gorg, St George's Bay, on Wednesday. At 10.30 a.m., coffee will be served, followed by a talk on "Women 2000 in our changing world" by Dr Mariella Pace Asciak, LLD, at 11. Mass will be said by Mgr Victor Grech at noon and lunch will be served a 1 p.m. Cards or any other games may be played. For bookings contact Marilouise Mifsud (2133-0471); Josephine Farrugia (2132-0016) or Phyllis Ciappara (2134-2910).

Ward u Zaghar is holding a quiz at its premises in Hamrun on Wednesday from 7 p.m. onwards.

The Malta Cancer Foundation is organising a candle light dinner dance at Villa Arrigo on Wednesday at 9.15 p.m. Drinks and canapés will be served at 8.15. Tickets are at Lm20. Call 2298-7163 or 9987-6436 for reservations.

St Helen's parish centre is holding a fundraising antique and old furniture sale on Thursday and Friday from 5 to 7.30 p.m., 9 a.m. to noon and 4.30 to 7.30 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday.

Vanni Pulé is showing a short video and holding a discussion on whether a ship was really pulverised into nothingness during the Philadelphia Experiment carried out by the American Navy -- at the Youth Travel Circle, 227, Merchants Street, Valletta, on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Ward u Zaghar is holding a karaoke night at the Little Wester Pub in Bugibba on Friday at 8.30 p.m.

The Malta Catholic Action is holding a lunch before Easter at San Anton complex, Triq Ramel, St Paul's Bay, on Sunday at 1 p.m. For bookings phone 2122-2239.

The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund of Corradino will hold a coffee morning at Attard parish hall on March 16 at 10 a.m. For more information, phone Helen Sciberras on 2143-6421 or 9984-5600. Tickets can also be purchased on the day at the door.

David Pace will follow up on a video presentation by Darwinian scientist Richard Dawkins about the process of evolution being shown at the Youth Travel Circle on March 23 at 7 p.m.

Fashion in action for the Eden Foundation

A fashion show, in aid of the Eden Foundation, is being held at the Union Club, Sliema, on Wednesday.

The event, entitled "Fashion in action", is intended to raise money for a worthy cause in the wonderful surroundings of the Union Club premises with management's kind permission," event organiser Sandra Camilleri said. Various leading brands will be participating, including Amichi, Marks & Spencer, Oasis and United Colors of Benetton. All brands will be showing their new spring/summer collections for women, men and children.

The event will kick off with a high tea at 5 p.m., followed by a one-hour fashion show at 6.

Tickets at Lm 4.50, may be purchased from Amichi, Marks & Spencer, Oasis and United Colors of Benetton outlets, and also from the Union Club.

Other event sponsors include Cesca's, Franks, Marina Hotel, PRES, Revlon, Steffy's Hair Salon and Tony & Guy, Il-Qronfla, Tower Supermarket, Attard & Co, Leonards Hair Salon and several others.

For more information, contact Sandra Camilleri on 2133-1115 or 7970-6526.